MORE women in Charnwood are ending up in hospital after excessive drinking binges – above the regional average.

MORE women in Charnwood are ending up in hospital after excessive drinking binges – above the regional average.

Recent figures show around 319 females were admitted into Leicestershire hospitals over a year-long period because of alcohol, and more than a thousand for unintentional injuries caused as a result of drink.

Around 40 women also died from alcohol-specific conditions, such as chronic liver disease and overdoses.

The shocking figures, which examined all 354 local authorities in England, found Charnwood to be one of the worst for female drinking.

Coun Jill Vincent, chair of Charnwood’s Health and Wellbeing Forum – which represents dozens of members in healthcare and the community – said she was saddened by the news.

She said: “It is shocking, but I would suspect that with our large student population, female hospital admission figures have been skewed.”

Figures also show that around 485 males have been admitted into hospital because of alcohol, as well as 90 children under the age of 18 – although these results are below the regional average.

Results also showed 94 people are claiming incapacity benefit for alcohol-related problems. Coun Vincent said in the new year the forum will be focusing on “neighbourhoods in need” with the intention of addressing some of these issues alongside other health-based problems.

A spokesman for NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland added: “We are working closely with partners to implement the Leicestershire alcohol strategy ‘Sensible Measures’, which was jointly developed this year by the partners battling alcohol misuse. It is a problem that can only be faced through a combined effort.

“The strategy pulls together all the partners in a concerted attack on alcohol misuse and the problems and heartbreak it brings to individuals and their loved ones.”